“What rubbish are you talking about, Yvonne?” Nathan slammed his hand on the table and stood up. His anger finally boiled over at me for not relenting.
“I have my limits too, and I won’t be treated like a doormat anymore.”
I pointed at Crystal and Yvette before I bellowed, “Look at these two. One took my father away from me, and the other drove my mother away. Sometimes I do wonder why I’m a Tanner. If I were an orphan who was picked up from the streets, I wouldn’t be so heartbroken over the things you’ve done to me. I don’t think I can carry on eating anymore, Dad. I’ll be there at the wedding on time. Bye.”
“Don’t be like this, Yvonne. Dad only wants the Tanner family’s business to flourish. There’s no need for you to be angry. We’ll amend the contract if you’re not happy with the conditions listed. Besides, Christopher hasn’t had a say in this yet.”
When I reached the door, Yvette and Crystal hurried over to me and tried their best to dissuade me.
“Just cut the crap. Let’s go, Chris!” I called out to Christopher.
“Don’t be too cocky, Mr. Tanner. There are some things that you shouldn’t interfere with,” Christopher said with a cold smile as he crossed his arms in front of him.
“You can’t possibly have a wedding with Eve if her side of the family doesn’t turn up. How about you sign the contract in exchange for a perfect wedding? That way, you won’t be at any loss,” Nathan said with a glint in his eyes and a cunning smile on his face.
“And what if I don’t agree?” Christopher shot him a glare and asked with a cold smile.
“Eve’s reputation is at stake, and she needs someone to clear her name. In times like this, her family is her pillar of strength and support, don’t you think?” Nathan countered as he ignored Christopher’s sharp gaze.
Christopher stood rooted at his spot, and his eyes fell on the woman in the corridor. There was a brief glint in his eyes before it disappeared quickly.
I took big strides towards the stairs as I couldn’t bear to stay here a minute longer. Didn’t we agree to talk about Lyle and Crystal’s wedding ceremony? So why are we talking about business? Moreover, a business worth two billion can’t be taken lightly.
“Wait a minute, Eve,” Sharon called out as she walked towards me with the help of her cane. “I can’t stand the ruckus here. I’m coming with you.”
“Slow down, Grandma!” I hurried over and supported Sharon. Just as we were about to head downstairs, Crystal suddenly came forward and grabbed my arm. “You can’t leave yet, Yvonne. I have something to tell you.”
I was taken aback, and I instinctively pushed her to the side. Consequently, Crystal lost her balance and began to sway at the top of the stairs. In horror, I quickly reached out to pull her hand to stop her from stumbling down the stairs.
But just as I stretched out my hand, someone from behind me gave me a shove. As a result, I stumbled forward, and my stretched-out hand pushed against Crystal’s shoulder. Crystal let out a piercing scream and went tumbling down the stairs.
Everything seemed to happen in slow motion. My mind went blank, and I watched in horror as Crystal tumbled down the flight of stairs. And when she landed at the bottom of the stairs, a pool of blood had formed between her legs. Within a few seconds, her long pastel yellow dress was blood-soaked.
A high-pitched scream pierced the air. I was so shocked that I remained motionless as I stared blankly at Crystal, who was convulsing at the bottom of the stairs. By the time I turned around to look behind me, the person who had been standing behind me was gone.
“Crystal!” Lyle shouted frantically. At the sight of Crystal’s devastating state, he whirled around and slapped me hard across the face. “How could you be so vicious towards a pregnant woman, Yvonne? Have you no heart?” he roared.
My face was stinging from the slap, and there was a numbness in my heart. I looked past Lyle and stared at Sharon, who was standing behind him. I was hoping that she would say something, but to my disappointment, she just stood there and said nothing.
Why was I pushed?
